In this intriguing new book, Mike Roberts explores them all in detail, and draws on the very latest research while re-examining the original sources to dispel a number of myths before tracing the early development of football and similar games in Western Europe, and presenting plenty of surprises along the way!

Sport and history combine to tell a fascinating story as we discover the truth about the medieval folk games that went on to become the modern codes of soccer, rugby union, rugby league, and Gaelic, Australian, American and Canadian football.

Explore this website for a taster of what each of the chapters will tell you: